New Tune Tuesday (7/28/15)

Posted by admin on Jul 28, 2015 in Featured, Latest, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

Ludge – Void EP

Kicking off this week is Ludge, a new favorite here at AltFreq. With crisp, clean sound design and technical prowess that often escapes producers of far greater experience and renown, the Philadelphia native is flying criminally under the radar. Perfect example? His latest effort, the deep and dark Void EP – self-released today. The three track offering is rife with slow-churning dubstep phrases and abrasive, staccato synths, held together by the constant presence of ominous atmospheric undertones that serve to further flesh out each tune. “Light Speed” features pleasant builds and bridges juxtaposed by futuristic dub breakdowns (with bonus points for a Dr. Dre sample that isn’t from “The Next Episode”). The title track is dark through and through (as the name might suggest), sporting the heaviest moments on the EP. And “Limbo” is future trap played through molasses, with subtle horn and hi-hat accents that keep it oozing in a forward direction. In fewer words, we love this dude – and you should too. Head here to download the Void EP for free, and be sure to connect with Ludge on all relevant social networks: (Soundcloud / Facebook / Twitter).

New Tune Tuesday (6/9/15)

Posted by admin on Jun 9, 2015 in Featured, Latest, New Tune Tuesday, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

The Front Bottoms – West Virginia

A surprise single from one of my favorite bands is the stuff Tuesdays are made of. “West Virginia” is The Front Bottoms in quintessence: one part catchy, straightforward instrumentation, one part complex & quirky – yet equally catchy – lyrics, coalesced into a faux-lo-fi package and thrown at you with every ounce of emotive heft lead singer Brian Sella and company can push through their mics and amps. Like much of TFB’s catalog, the wordsmithery on display here is relatable in overarching emotional brushstrokes rather than specifics. You may never have experienced a conversation like the one Sella opens this song with (“Is it raining where you are? / The only thing I could think to ask. / But nothing ever hurt so bad / as the ‘no’ that you said back”) but dammit if those lines don’t hit you in the chest like a two-ton weight. You can download the new tune for free by joining The Front Bottoms Motorcycle Club on the band’s official site. The music video is a perfect visual compliment; you can see it below.

In Case You Missed It: The Boundless Soundscapes Of Unlimited Gravity’s “Event Horizon”

Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2015 in Featured, Noise, Reads | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

Colorado product Unlimited Gravity – real name Ronnie Weberg –  has never seemed content remaining in one place musically. Beginning with his earliest self-released material (still available on his Bandcamp), the producer/DJ has displayed a keen ear for unique sounds and fresh styles. It’s led to a string of LPs with little sonic overlap and high replay value for Weberg; with his latest, Event Horizon,  it’s clear that streak has been extended.

New Tune Tuesday (4/14/15)

Posted by admin on Apr 14, 2015 in Featured, Latest, New Tune Tuesday, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

Gramatik – Native Son (Ft. Raekwon & Orlando Napier)

The lead single from Gramatik’s upcoming Epigram EP sees the Slovenian teaming with an emerging talent and an established hip-hop legend to craft a too-smooth instant classic. The juxtaposition of frequent collaborator Orlando Napier’s syrupy tones and rapper Raekwon’s incendiary verses atop seriously sensual riffage amounts to some of Gramatik’s best work. The often humble producer seemed almost as excited as we were about the tune: “I’m sure you can imagine how some random kid from Slovenia must feel, realizing he just made a song with a legend.” (via Facebook)

News: Infrasound Unveils Phase 2 Lineup, Wins Festival Season

Posted by admin on Apr 14, 2015 in Latest, News, Noise, Reads | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

After Infrasound Music Festival dropped an initial lineup back in February adorned by an eclectic combination of broken-beat acts and dubstep heavyweights, they were presented with a difficult question: how do you go about improving on a lineup already crammed with so much talent? With the second round of artists announced Monday, they answered with confidence: cram in a whole bunch more.